The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-02-24
A POOR MANS WIFE.

They were happy and hopeful
bridal couple. This life upon which
they had entered was like new and
unexplored country. but Clarence meant
10 work hard and felt little or no doubt
in regard to their future. He had been
head bookkeeper for number of years
and had the promise of something bet
ter vet the coming season.
They rented house in the pleasant
part of the city, Kept a servant and
Stella wore the handsome clothes which
had been provided at the time OF her
marriage. But toward the end of the
first year of their welded life his firm
was said to be under heavy liabilities
and the anniversary of their marriage
found the house bankrupt and Clarence
out of situation.
Il shall find something by and by"
the husband said bravely.
1t was at thA trying time that little
speck of humanity was put into Stella's
arms, and its feeble cry told that tine
responsibility of motherhood was hers
Il am the happiest man alive"
Clarence exclaimed. caressing wife and
baby boy. Let pride go to the dogs,
Stella" he added, remembering that
now his responsibility was greater than
before. "They are in want of workmen
on the new city-hall. I'll take my ham,
merit will give US bread"
He went out in the early morning
and came home late at night, his hand
some face glowing with love. But the
very thought that her husband was
brought down to the level of a COM
mon laborer hurt her. The little priva-
tions she endured worried her, and in
little while the esweet-tempered woman
became moody and down-hearted.
'.How can you expect mo to live
among such surroundings" was her
appeal when he begged her to cheer
up. lit is cruel in you. want to 60
home to my own friends"
The warm glow came to his face and
he drew her tenderly toward him with
out a word, but there was look pite-
Gus to see in his handsome eyes. Then
came day little later when it did
seem that matters had come to a crisis.
The city-hall was finished and Clarence
must look for something new. They
had moved about great deal. hoping
to find place in which the fretful
girl-wife would be contented.
''These people are all alike, you
know. and | may as well be in one
place as another" was her reply to
Clarence when he suggested that they
move.
II have heard of something new this
morning, Stella, and I'm going to New
York on the next tram"
You are always hearing of some
thing new" was her quick reply; ''bur
what does it, amount to?"
Il am hoping for something better,
and think ] have found it now Are
you going to kiss me good-by. Stella?''
he asked. Il may be gone day OF
two"
Nor she replied coldly; you'll be
back soon enough"
but l might never return, you
know"
See if you are not back again in
day or two with the same old story"
Clarence turned quickly and left her.
She heard him cross the room. and
knew he bent over Freddy's crib, and
kissed the little sleeper again and
again.
He'll come back before he's really
gone, " whispered she going toward the
door; but d turn in the street hid him
from sight. He had gone without bid
ding her good-by.
well, we've been married long
enough to be done with such nonsense,
she said by way of consolation, yet
there was terrible pain in her heart
She sat still till Freddy awoke, then
with cry of anguish she ran across the
hall to the nearest neighbor.
please come, Mrs. Wilson; my baby
is dying"
Mrs. Wilson came. for, though rough
in manner, she was kind in heart.
He is in fit, she said the moment
she saw the child. Hold him so till /
run home and get some medicine. Such
women amt tit to be mothers"
| The hour for Clarence's arrival had
passed, but only remorse came. At
last the strain became too great and
the wife's chastened and softened
nature succumbed, and good Mrs. Will
son had two patients. When Clarence
came he found his wife rehearsing in
penitent tones the welcome she had
prepared for him.
When at last Stella awoke from the
horrible dreams her husband was bend
ing over her.
Clarence" she said, very softly al
first; Clarence" she repeated, putting
her arms about his neck. If you'll
forgive me Eli kiss you, o. so many
timesr'
Foolish fellow He cried like a baby.
Listen. Stella" he said. as soon as
he could command his voice; ''listen
| did get the situation and you can
have everything you want, and you
are going to have such q pretty house
in Brooklyn"
'.All want is your love-" ciasping
him closely. "and that Freddy get:
well. l am ready to be poor mans
wife"